I take several deep breaths to calm myself.
Just as my eyes are becoming adjusted to the darkness, I notice a tiny green light twinkling in the corner of the room. I stare at it tensely for a few seconds. Is it a secret camera? Is he watching me? Whatever it is, the light calms me, but I'm determined not to sleep. I want to be awake in case he comes back…
But sleep eventually overtakes me, and before I know it, I'm woken by the lights coming on.
Chapter Fourteen
Daniel
‘Who were you talking to?’
My voice comes out in tones that are sharp, accusing, and Gil flinches.
‘My friend. She knew I had a Tinder date tonight and was worried when I didn’t check in. Jesus, Danny, are you going to accuse me of calling the police every time I go near my phone?’
I exhale. ‘Sorry, I’m on edge.’
‘And you still don’t think calling the police is the best move? Two million is a hell of a lot of money, Danny.’
I grit my teeth. I feel like an elastic band that has been stretched too tight and is mere seconds from snapping. Why won’t she drop it? How many times do I have to tell her?
‘It’s worth it if we get Jo back. I’m not taking any chances.’
The landline rings. It’s Donald. ‘Heard anything?’
‘No,’ I say flatly.
‘Christ. How long are they going to take?’
I hear Julia sobbing in the background. The sound twists something in my gut.
‘I’ll call you the second I hear anything,’ I promise.
Gil steps outside for another cigarette. She does this every few minutes; it’s as though she can’t keep still. I tell her to go home, but she refuses. ‘I’ll never rest.’ By eleven o’clock, she’s wringing her hands, pleading with me. ‘He’s not going to call. Please, Danny, phone the police.’
She grabs her mobile, and I move to snatch it, but then mine buzzes. It’s an unknown number.
Gil’s eyes widen. ‘Put it on speaker.’
That’s the last thing I intend to do. Not with Gil in her current state. ‘No. What if he hears movement? He might think I’ve got the police here.’ I answer the call with my heart pounding. ‘Hello.’
‘Have you got the money?’
No greeting, no hesitation. Just cold, direct words. I swallow hard. ‘My in-laws will pay, but they want proof their daughter is still alive.’
There’s silence. I chew my lip, pulse hammering. Gil is staring at me, her fingers twitching. Finally, he speaks. ‘You’ll get proof tomorrow. Then I’ll tell you where to take the money.’
‘You won’t—’ I start to speak, but the line goes dead. I stare at the screen.
Gil grips my arm, her nails pressing into my skin. ‘What did he say?’
‘He’ll send proof tomorrow. Then he’ll tell me where to take the money.’
She exhales shakily. ‘Oh, thank God.’
I call Donald immediately. He tells me the money will be ready whenever I need it.
I turn to Gil. ‘Tomorrow, we act normal.’
